What does Acts 6:3 mean?

Explanation

Acts 6:3 addresses a specific issue that arose in the early Christian community. The apostles were overwhelmed with the distribution of food to the widows, and they needed to focus more on prayer and the ministry of the word.

Thus, they instruct the community to select seven men who were of good reputation, full of the Spirit, and wise to handle this important task.

The verse is emphasizing the need for division of labor in the church's ministry, the importance of delegation to trustworthy people, and the criteria for leadership within the church, namely, good reputation, spiritual fullness, and wisdom.

Historical Context

The Book of Acts was written by Luke as a continuation of the Gospel of Luke and describes the early development of the Christian church after Jesus' resurrection and ascension.

Acts 6:1-6 is part of a narrative about the evolving structure of the church's leadership as it rapidly grew.

At this time, there was a practical need to address the daily distribution to widows.

This passage reflects a time when the early church was transitioning from a group of followers to an organized community with specific roles and responsibilities.

Theological Insights

Theologically, this verse indicates that practical service (diakonia) is as important as preaching and teaching in the life of the church.

It also introduces the concept of the office of deacon, although the term is not explicitly used here.

The emphasis on being "full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom" conveys that Leadership in the church is not merely a management position but is profoundly spiritual and requires discernment and guidance from the Holy Spirit.

Practical Applications

In a practical sense, Acts 6:3 suggests that in any organization or community, responsibility should be shared, and individuals with appropriate skills and character should be appointed to handle different tasks.

This passage can inspire members of a church or community to serve according to their abilities and gifts and for leaders to delegate tasks responsibly while maintaining focus on their primary duties.

Cross-References

• 1 Timothy 3:8-10: "Likewise must the deacons be grave, not doubletongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre; Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience.

And let these also first be proved; then let them use the office of a deacon, being found blameless."

• Acts 6:5-6: "And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch: Whom they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them."
• Exodus 18:21-22: "Moreover thou shalt provide out of all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness; and place such over them, to be rulers of thousands, and rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens..."

Language Study

Key words in Acts 6:3 in the original Greek language include:

• "Brethren" (Greek: ἀδελφοί, adelphoi): referring to fellow believers in Christ.
• "Look ye out" (Greek: ἐπισκέψασθε, episkepsasthe): means to look upon, inspect, or select carefully.
• "Honest report" (Greek: μαρτυρουμένους, martyroumenous): bears witness to or is well testified of.
• "Full of the Holy Ghost" (Greek: πλήρεις Πνεύματος Ἁγίου, plereis Pneumatos Hagiou): suggests being completely guided and empowered by the Holy Spirit.
• "Wisdom" (Greek: σοφίας, sophias): refers to practical wisdom or prudence, not just intellectual knowledge.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In the Jewish tradition, there was a practice of appointing men of good repute to serve as leaders or judges within the community, as seen with Moses appointing judges over Israel (Exodus 18).

This idea of community-focused service and carefully chosen Leadership bears similarities with other cultural systems where elders or leaders were selected for their wisdom and character.

Scientific Perspectives

While this verse does not directly relate to scientific topics, one could explore psychological and sociological perspectives on the efficacy of group decision-making and the importance of selecting leaders with specific emotional and mental qualities like wisdom and an ability to manage stress or group dynamics effectively.

Commentaries

Commentaries on Acts 6:3 tend to focus on the practical organization of the early church and the roots of the diaconate.

Matthew Henry’s Commentary emphasizes the importance of selecting men who were not just honest in worldly matters but also spiritually mature.

The Pulpit Commentary notes that this act of delegating helped prevent murmuring and disputes within the community by ensuring fair distribution.

John Calvin comments on the link between this appointment of deacons and the proper ordering of church offices that will come later in church history, embodying the principle that every office in the church requires both integrity and ability.